Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Department of Education
Federal Perkins
Data Provider Instructions
(Version 4)
June 2007
Final Copy
Perkins Data Provider Instructions Contents
Contents
Chapter 11: Generating Reports on z/OS LE Version 3.1 or Higher Mainframes .............164
11.1 Extract Error Report.......................................................................................................164
11.1.1 Summary Report Sorting ......................................................................................164
11.1.2 Detail Report Sorting ............................................................................................165
11.2 Load Process Error Report.............................................................................................166
Figures
Figure 1–1, Sources of NSLDS Data.............................................................................................. 7
Figure 1–2, Outflow of NSLDS Information.................................................................................. 8
Figure 3–1, Data Provider Six-Step Process................................................................................. 15
Figure 3–2, DataPrep Processing Flow for Extract Validation and Error Report Generation...... 16
Figure 3–3, NSLDS Edit Process.................................................................................................. 18
Figure 5–1, Directories Dialog Box.............................................................................................. 41
Figure 5–2, DataPrep Main Menu with Directories Selected on the Options Menu .................... 43
Figure 5–3, Directories Dialog Box.............................................................................................. 44
Figure 5–4, DataPrep Main Menu with Viewers Selection on the Options Menu ....................... 46
Figure 5–5, Viewer Maintenance Dialog Box .............................................................................. 47
Figure 5–6, Select Viewer Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 48
Figure 5–7, Initial File Transfer Dialog Box for File Import ....................................................... 49
Figure 5–8, Initial Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for TEF File ................................................. 50
Figure 5–9, Final Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for TEF File................................................... 51
Figure 5–10, Final File Transfer Dialog Box for File Import....................................................... 51
Figure 5–11, DataPrep Main Menu with File Backup Selected ................................................... 53
Figure 5–12, Backup Files Dialog Box......................................................................................... 54
Figure 5–13, New Backup File Folder Dialog Box ...................................................................... 54
Figure 5–14, Backup Files Dialog Box with Files Selected ......................................................... 55
Figure 5–15, Backup Files Dialog Box with Files and Backup Folder Selected.......................... 55
Figure 5–16, Backup Files Dialog Box after Copy....................................................................... 56
Figure 5–17, Backup Files Dialog Box after Move...................................................................... 56
Figure 5–18, List Backup Files Dialog Box ................................................................................. 57
Figure 5–19, Test Files Installed in C:\Nslds-v3\Samples............................................................ 59
Figure 5–20, C:\DataPrep Folder with Extract and Current Folders ............................................ 60
Figure 5–21, DataPrep Main Menu with Extract Validation Selected ......................................... 61
Figure 5–22, Extract Validation Dialog Box ................................................................................ 61
Figure 5–23, Extract Validation Process Dialog Box................................................................... 62
Figure 5–24, Log Report Dialog Box ........................................................................................... 63
Figure 5–25, Sample Log Report.................................................................................................. 63
Figure 5–26, Error Report Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 64
Figure 5–27, Summary Extract Error Report................................................................................ 65
Figure 5–28, Extract Folder .......................................................................................................... 66
Figure 5–29, Extract Validation Dialog Box ................................................................................ 67
Figure 5–30, Extract Validation Unsuccessful ............................................................................. 67
Figure 5–31, Default File Transfer Dialog Box............................................................................ 68
Figure 5–32, Initial File Transfer Dialog Box for Load Process Error File ................................. 69
Figure 5–33, Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for Load Process Error File .................................. 69
Figure 5–34, Final File Transfer Dialog Box for Load Process Error File................................... 70
Figure 5–35, Error Report Dialog Box for Load Process Error Report........................................ 71
Figure 5–36, Test Load Process Error Report .............................................................................. 72
Figure 5–37, Initial File Transfer Dialog Box for Importing Error Submittal Summary ............. 73
Notification File
Figure 5–38, Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for Submittal Notification Files............................ 73
Figure 5–39, Final File Transfer Dialog Box for Importing Error Submittal Summary .............. 74
Notification File
Figure 5–40, Notification Report Dialog Box .............................................................................. 75
Figure 5–41, Error Submittal Summary Notification Report ....................................................... 76
Figure 5–42, File Backup Dialog Box .......................................................................................... 77
Figure 5–43, New Backup File Folder Dialog Box ...................................................................... 77
Figure 5–44, File Backup Dialog Box .......................................................................................... 78
Figure 5–45, List Backup Files Dialog Box ................................................................................. 78
Figure 6–1, Loan and Student Identifiers ..................................................................................... 86
Figure 6–2, How to Update Loan Identifier Data ......................................................................... 87
Figure 6–3, NSLDS Update (1 of 2)............................................................................................. 90
Figure 6–4, NSLDS Update (2 of 2)............................................................................................. 91
Figure 6–5, Updating a Current Event.......................................................................................... 93
Figure 6–6, Updating Historical Events........................................................................................ 94
Figure 6–7, Fields and History...................................................................................................... 95
Figure 6–8, PPC Events, Keys, and Values .................................................................................. 97
Figure 7–1, Extract Validation Process ...................................................................................... 102
Figure 7–2, DataPrep Edit Process ............................................................................................. 103
Figure 7–3, DataPrep Main Menu with Extract Validation Selected ......................................... 106
Figure 7–4, Extract Validation Dialog Box ................................................................................ 106
Figure 7–5, Extract Validation Process Dialog Box................................................................... 108
Figure 9–1, NSLDS Load Process .............................................................................................. 120
Figure 10–1, DataPrep Main Menu with Log Report Selected .................................................. 128
Figure 10–2, Log Reports Dialog Box........................................................................................ 129
Figure 10–3, Extract Validation Log Report .............................................................................. 129
Figure 10–4, DataPrep Main Menu with Error Report Selected ................................................ 132
Figure 10–5, Error Report Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 132
Figure 10–6, Generate Summary Error Rpt Dialog Box ............................................................ 133
Figure 10–7, Summary Extract Error Report.............................................................................. 134
Figure 10–8, DataPrep Main Menu with Error Report Selected ................................................ 135
Figure 10–9, Error Report Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 135
Figure 10–10, Generate Summary Error Rpt Dialog Box .......................................................... 137
Figure 10–11, Detail Extract Error Report ................................................................................. 138
Figure 10–12, Detail Load Process Error Report........................................................................ 138
Figure 10–13, DataPrep Main Menu with Loan Detail Report Selected.................................... 141
Figure 10–14, Loan Detail Report Dialog Box........................................................................... 141
Figure 10–15, Extract Loan Detail Report.................................................................................. 144
Figure 10–16, Notification Report Dialog Box .......................................................................... 146
Figure 10–17, Error Submittal Summary Notification Report ................................................... 147
Figure 10–18, DataPrep Main Menu with Selection Criteria Selected on the Options Menu.... 148
Figure 10–19, Selection Criteria Dialog Box ............................................................................. 148
Figure 10–20, Selection Criteria Edit Dialog Box...................................................................... 149
Figure 10–21, Selection Criteria Edit Dialog Box...................................................................... 150
Figure 10–22, Selection Criteria Edit Dialog Box...................................................................... 151
Figure 10–23, Selection Criteria Edit Dialog Box...................................................................... 152
Figure 10–24, Selection Variable Edit Dialog Box .................................................................... 153
Chapter 1: Introduction
Schools participating in the Federal Perkins Loan Program are
required to report detailed loan information to the National Student
Loan Data System (NSLDS). This operating manual explains
Federal Perkins Loan reporting requirements and the processes
Dear Colleague Letter
used to add or update Federal Perkins loans on NSLDS. It explains April 1995
how to use the new NSLDS DataPrep software and is for the use of CB-95-5 (LD)
data providers (schools and their servicers) with administrative All schools in the Title IV aid
responsibility for the Federal Perkins Loan Program. programs are required to
participate with NSLDS.
Schools with active Perkins
Loans (including National
1.1 About This Manual Direct Student Loans,
National Defense Student
This manual is intended to assist users with the data provider Loans, and Income
Contingent Loans) are
portion of the NSLDS update process, as well as provide basic required to provide updated
information about the entire process. data to NSLDS once a
month on a schedule
To make the instruction manual easy to follow, we have used the established by ED.
following icons to identify key points:
These function areas and the system capabilities that support them
reflect requirements established for NSLDS by the U.S. Congress
and ED.
LARS
Lender and Lender Servicer Data
PEPS DCMS
Aid Overpayments
School Demographic Data
Lender and Lender Servicer Data
NSL-1076
Loans Assigned to ED
COD FDLP
Pell/ACG/SMART Grants FDLP Loan Information
Guaranty Agencies
FFEL Loan Information
Lenders/Servicers
CPS
Student Aid History
Schools FDLP
FAH Information Enrollment Reporting Information
Enrollment Reporting Roster Error Reports
Queries, Reports, and Data Extracts Queries, Reports, and Data Extracts
Guaranty Agencies
PIC Enrollment Reporting Information
Queries Error Reports, Queries, Reports,
and Data Extracts (NSL-1100)
Other Government
Agencies
Queries, Reports, and Data Extracts
• The part of the process you were working with at the time the
problem occurred
• Retrieve the Load Process Error file for each submittal. Data
providers must review errors and correct as many as possible
before the next submittal. Data providers are responsible for
the accuracy of their data, as well as for the timely reporting of
loan data to NSLDS.
Use information to
Data Providers perform Extract Error Report
Step 3 Generation.
correct database(s)
and/or Extract
Validation process.
Extract Error
Reports
NSL-1071
Extract
Database Update
Validation
Procedures
Procedure
Extract
Extract Error
Validation Log Submittal File
File
File
Electronic
Extract Error Extract Error Transmittal
Detail Report Summary Report
NSLDS
NSLDS Responsibility
DataPrep Responsibility
Extract
Load Error Detail Load Error
Reconciliation School Responsibility
Report Summary Report
Report
NSL-1046
Figure 3–3 shows the edit process, some of the problems that can
arise during that process, and possible solutions.
File-Level Edits
Threshold Failure
1. Numeric Field Error Correct database
2. Invalid Date and/or extract process
3. Missing Identifier and rerun Extract
4. Missing New Identifier Validation
Domain and
Record-Level Edits
Record Rejected
NSLDS 1. Numeric Field Error Correct database
Load 2. Invalid Date and/or extract process
Process 3. Missing Identifier before next submittal
4. Missing New Identifier
Load-Level Edits
5. Reasonability Error
6. Duplicate Record
Record not
Loaded/Updated
1. Date Sequence Error 1. Create PPC
2. Identifier Conflict 2. Resolve with other
data provider
3. Invalid Codes 3. Correct database/
NSLDS Updated extract process
NSL-1061
To run the DataPrep software and submit your data, the minimum
system requirements are either:
z/OS LE Runtime Library
• An IBM/IBM-compatible mainframe running the z/OS LE, If you are running in the z/OS
Version 3.1 or higher operating system and an appropriate sort LE environment, your LE
utility, or Runtime Library must be in
your standard system program
• An IBM-compatible personal computer with at least a 200 library concatenation.
MHz Pentium processor, 64 Mb of available memory, and 8
Mb of hard disk space to store the program and work files, with
additional hard disk space to store data files and backups. For
optimal viewing of reports, you may have to set your monitor’s
resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels. The new version of Perkins
DataPrep is fully compatible with Windows 2000 and
Windows XP. It is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows
98, or Windows NT. If you are using Windows 95, Windows
98, or Windows NT, you can only use the previous version of
Perkins DataPrep and cannot take advantage of the new
software enhancements. For more information about ED
system requirements, see Perkins Technical Update, PK-2004-
01 (January 2004).
Where:
Except for the addition of closed loan data and a slight difference
in data reporting requirements, the process for an initial population
submission is the same as the one you follow for subsequent
updates.
5.1 Installation
5.1.1 Installing DataPrep on a Windows-Based
PC
Important Installation Notes
• Perkins DataPrep is specifically designed to be downloaded
from the FSA download site address and installed on PCs
running the Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro operating
systems.
• Perkins DataPrep’s Windows 2000 installation requires you to
have Administrator privileges on the install machine. If you are
unable to install Perkins DataPrep, contact your technical
support staff to set up Administrator privileges on the install
machine.
• Some organizations restrict downloading from File Transfer
Protocol (FTP) sites. If you are unable to download Perkins
DataPrep, contact your technical support staff to ensure that
you have full FTP download privileges.
• The time it takes to download the Perkins DataPrep software
depends on the file size and the speed of your Internet
connection. The table below shows the minimum download
time for various speeds. The actual time will vary depending
on the quality of the phone line and Internet traffic.
http://www.fsadownload.ed.gov/SoftPerkins.htm.
Note: The box that appears may vary depending on your version of
Internet Explorer.
10. This box shows the default Destination Folder where the
Perkins DataPrep software will be installed. To accept the
default Destination Folder, click Next. If you wish to install the
software in another folder, click Browse and change it. Then
click Next. The Select Program Folder box appears.
11. Click Next. Now the Select Final Setup Options box appears.
12. Click Next. The Start Copying Files box appears. Review the
information in the Current Settings area. If you wish to correct
any of the settings, click Back.
13. If all settings are correct, click Next. The setup program will
now install the Perkins DataPrep software on your machine.
Progress bars indicate the status of the installation. After the
installation is complete, the Setup Complete box appears.
14. Click Finish. The README document appears if the box for
the README file is checked.
Troubleshooting
In this case, the installation program cannot check if the above file
needs to be updated. Click OK to continue installation.
3. Open Netscape.
Note: The box that appears may vary depending on your version of
Netscape.
8. Click Launch File in the menu at the top of the window to run
the “Perkins Setup.exe” file. The “Opening Perkins Setup.exe”
box appears.
11. After reading the License Agreement, click Yes. The Customer
Information box appears.
12. Change User Name and Company Name if necessary and click
Next. The Choose Destination Location box appears.
13. This box shows the default Destination Folder where the
Perkins DataPrep software will be installed. To accept the
default Destination Folder, click Next. If you wish to install the
software in another folder, click Browse and select a different
destination folder. Then click Next. The Select Program Folder
box appears.
14. Click Next. Now the Select Final Setup Options box appears.
15. Click Next. The Start Copying Files box appears. Review the
information in the Current Settings area. If you wish to correct
any of the settings, click Back.
16. If all settings are correct, click Next. The setup program will
now install the Perkins DataPrep software on your machine.
Progress bars indicate the status of the installation. After the
installation is complete, the Setup Complete box appears.
17. Click Finish. The README document appears if the box for
the README file is checked.
Troubleshooting
In this case, the installation program cannot check if the above file
needs to be updated. Click OK to continue installation.
3. Scroll down the list and click NSLDS Perkins DataPrep 3.1.
Click Change/Remove. The Confirm Uninstall box appears.
You can still install DataPrep, but some of its functions might not
work properly. For example, you might not be able to print from
the DataPrep viewer. Check with your information technology
department before proceeding.
During the setup procedure, you must specify where the DataPrep
system files are installed. We strongly recommend that you use the
default path C:\Nslds-v3.
When you start PC DataPrep for the first time, the Directories
dialog box (Figure 5–1) appears, prompting you to select where
DataPrep’s work files are located. DataPrep supplies default
directory paths, but you can change them as needed. It is essential
that you supply the paths to where your working files are in fact Directories
located, or DataPrep will be unable to find your data. You must These are the folders where
DataPrep working files are
also specify the correct directory paths when you transmit your stored:
data to NSLDS via SAIG.
• Temp—the location of
When you are satisfied with the directory paths listed in the your temporary sort work
Directories dialog box, click OK. files (*.tmp)
• Extract—the location of
your Database Extract
file (extract.ff)
• Current—the location of
the TEF file (TEF.ff) and
all DataPrep output files
(*.ff)
• Backup—the location of
your backup file folders
(yCCYYmMM)
• Loan—the location of
the Loan Detail file
obtained by special
arrangement (loandtl.ff)
If you have named a path that does not currently exist, DataPrep
will ask you if you want to create it. Click Yes to do so.
Run the Installation JCL once to unload the Unload JCL that
appears in Step 2 of Appendix G from the DataPrep tape. Then run
the Unload JCL once to unload and install the actual libraries and
software that will allow you to run DataPrep. If you need to run the
Unload JCL again to reinstall DataPrep, be aware that step
PSTEP005 will delete all data sets previously created.
The Unload JCL can be referenced from the library created by the
Installation JCL with CUTTAPE as part of the name. The library
member name is UNLOAD.
B. Press the Browse button to the right of the text box and use
the Select File Directory dialog box that appears to select
the new path.
Note: If you change the directory path for your Current folder, you
must use Windows Explorer or My Computer to copy the
following files from your old Current directory to your new
Current directory: Copy Your Sort Files
If you use the Directories
dialog box to change the
• ERRDTL.sel directory path for your
• ERRDTL.srt Current folder after you have
installed DataPrep, you must
• ERRDTL.var
be sure to copy the files
• LOANDTL.sel containing sort parameters
• LOANDTL.srt from your old Current
• LOANDTL.var directory to your new
Current directory. Those files
• TEF.ff have names that end with
the following suffixes:
If you fail to copy these files to your new Current directory,
DataPrep will be unable to sort your detailed Extract Error report • .sel
or Load Process Error report. • .srt
• .var
In addition, you may wish to copy any additional files that you
wish to retain.
5.2.2 Viewers
DataPrep allows you to generate a series of reports as you move
through the NSLDS update process. To view and print those
reports, you must use a viewer. When you install DataPrep, it
automatically establishes its own built-in viewer (uta0.exe) as the
default viewer for reports. This viewer was designed to display and
print reports in the correct format, and we recommend that you
become familiar with its features.
You can also use Notepad, WordPad, and some word processing
software as viewers. However, if you use them, you might have to
reformat reports to fit on screen or on paper. In addition, you may
need to increase your desktop size to at least 1024 by 768 pixels to
view reports without having to scroll horizontally.
There are situations in which you will want to use a viewer other
than the DataPrep viewer (uta0.exe) to view or print reports. The
figures in this manual frequently use Notepad to make the contents
of reports larger and so easier to read. But to view and print reports
that are correctly formatted, we recommend that you use the
DataPrep viewer (uta0.exe).
• A spin box that allows you to navigate through the report one
page at a time.
• A Print button.
• An Exit button.
• A Help button.
To change your default viewer for all reports, follow these steps:
To change your default viewer, you must select the viewer you
want and move it to the top of the Viewer Programs list before
clicking OK. Just selecting a viewer and clicking OK will not
change your default viewer. Move the Viewer Before
Clicking OK
To change your default
If you want to add other word processing software to the viewer viewer, you must select the
list, click Add and then specify the directory path for the software viewer you want and move it
you want to add. to the top of the list before
clicking OK. Just selecting a
viewer and clicking OK will
To remove a viewer from the list, highlight it and then click not change your default
Remove. DataPrep will ask you to confirm that you want to delete viewer.
the viewer program from the list.
3. Select the viewer you want to use and click OK to view the
report.
This process only changes the viewer for the report you are
currently viewing. To change your default viewer, see the previous
subsection.
When you import a file, the File Transfer utility copies (or moves)
it to the default folder for files of that type and renames it so
DataPrep will recognize it.
To import a file using the File Transfer utility, follow these steps:
1. From the DataPrep Main Menu, click File Transfer. The File
Transfer dialog box appears.
3. Press the Browse button to the right of the NSLDS File Input
box to display the Select NSLDS File dialog box. It will
display with the File of type option at the bottom of the dialog
box set to the kind of file you seek. Browsing for Files
When you browse for files,
For example, the first time you select Import Thresholds, Error make sure that the Files of
type option is set to the file
Codes and Field Codes File as an action and click browse, you type you seek or to All Files
should see a dialog box similar to the one in Figure 5–8. Notice (*.*).
that the File of type option is automatically set to Received
TEF File (teffilop.*).
Where to Look
These instructions assume
that when you receive files
from NSLDS via SAIG, they
Figure 5–8, Initial Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for TEF File are saved to a directory
named C:\IAM\ DATA. If you
4. Use the Look in option at the top of the dialog box to locate the store them elsewhere, you
folder that contains the NSLDS file you want to import will need to adjust
(normally C:\IAM\DATA). You can select any folder you have accordingly.
access to on your computer or network.
Figure 5–9, Final Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for TEF File
5. Select the file you want to import. Whatever file you select will
be displayed as the default NSLDS File Input option the next
time you import the same type of file. Click Open to return to
the File Transfer dialog box.
Figure 5–10, Final File Transfer Dialog Box for File Import
8. Check that the directory paths in both the NSLDS File Input
and DataPrep File Output boxes are correct and click Copy or
Move. If a file of the type you are transferring already exists in
the destination folder, a message similar to the following Copy or Move
When you use DataPrep’s
displays: File Transfer utility to copy a
file, DataPrep copies and
pastes the file to a new
location. When you use it to
move a file, DataPrep cuts
and pastes the file to a new
location.
2. The File Backup dialog box appears. The Current Files list
shows all the DataPrep files (*.ff files) in your Current,
Extract, and Loan folders. It also lists each file’s last modified
date and time, and size in bytes. The Backup Folders box lists
all the folders in your Backup folder (C:\DataPrep\Backup).
Moving/Copying Files to
Figure 5–13, New Backup File Folder Dialog Box Backup Folders
Before you can move or
4. Use the New Folder counter to select the month and year of the copy files to a backup folder,
new backup folder. When you are satisfied with the New you must select the file(s)
Folder name, click OK to return to the Backup Files dialog and the folder. You can
determine the creation date
box. and time and number of
bytes in each file by moving
5. Select the file(s) you want to move or copy to the new folder. the scroll bar to the right
To select a file from the Current Files list, click on it and margin or by double-clicking
DataPrep will highlight it. Click on it again to de-select it and the file name.
remove the highlighting. You can select or de-select a group of
files by clicking on the first file in the group and then holding
down the shift key while you click on the last.
6. Select the backup folder in which you want to store the files by
clicking on it in the Backup Folders box.
Figure 5–15, Backup Files Dialog Box with Files and Backup
Folder Selected
7. Click Copy (or Move) to copy (or move) the files you selected
to the backup folder you selected.
If you copy files, DataPrep will leave the original files in the
Current, Extract, or Loan folders and create copies in the
backup folder you selected. In this case, the original files will
still be listed by the File Backup dialog box.
If, on the other hand, you move the files, DataPrep will remove
the originals from the Current, Extract, or Loan folders and
move them to the backup folder you selected. In this case, the
files will disappear from the File Backup dialog box.
From the File Backup dialog box, you can check a file’s last
modified date and time and size in bytes by double clicking on it.
From the File Backup dialog box, you can check the contents of an
existing backup folder by selecting it and then clicking List to
display the List Backup Files dialog box.
You can delete the backup folder itself by first deleting all the files
it contains and then clicking Delete again. DataPrep will display
the following message:
Click Yes to confirm your intention and delete the backup folder.
4. Check that the Input directory paths point to the folders where
the Extract and TEF files are located and click Run. The
Extract Validation Process dialog box displays the Extract
Validation Log Report containing a message telling you that
Extract Validation was completed successfully.
If you get any other message, or if Extract Validation did not run,
check the following:
If you get a message that the Database Extract file was processed
successfully, click Close to return to the DataPrep Main Menu.
1. From the DataPrep Main Menu, click Log Report. The Log
Report dialog box appears.
You are now ready to produce test Extract Error reports. To do so,
follow these steps:
1. From the DataPrep Main Menu, click Error Report. The Error
Report dialog box appears.
4. Check that the Input directory paths point to the folders where
the Extract and TEF files are located and click Run. The
Extract Validation Process dialog box displays the Extract
Validation Log Report containing a message informing you,
“The percentage of domain errors exceeds the allowable
tolerances. Therefore, no Submittal File has been created.”
(Figure 5–30)
If this message appears, return to the DataPrep Main Menu and run
the Extract Error reports using the directions in the previous
subsection. You may also want to print the Extract Validation Log
Report as explained in a previous subsection.
1. From the DataPrep Main Menu, click File Transfer. The File
Transfer dialog box appears.
Figure 5–32, Initial File Transfer Dialog Box for Load Process
Error File
3. Press the Browse button to the right of the NSLDS File Input
box to display the Select NSLDS File dialog box.
Figure 5–33, Select NSLDS File Dialog Box for Load Process
Error File
5. Select the Load Process Error file (loaderr.ff) and click Open
to return to the File Transfer dialog box.
6. Check that the directory path in the DataPrep File Output box
appears as it does in Figure 5–34 and click Copy.
Figure 5–34, Final File Transfer Dialog Box for Load Process
Error File
1. From the DataPrep Main Menu, click Error Report. The Error
Report dialog box appears.
Figure 5–35, Error Report Dialog Box for Load Process Error
Report
After looking over the report, try to generate other Load Process
Error reports; including detail reports with different sort options.
Refer to Section 10.2 for more information about generating error
reports.
Figure 5–37, Initial File Transfer Dialog Box for Importing Error
Submittal Summary Notification File
3. Press the Browse button to the right of the NSLDS File Input
box to display the Select NSLDS File dialog box.
6. Check that the directory path in the DataPrep File Output box
appears as it does in Figure 5–39 and click Copy.
Figure 5–39, Final File Transfer Dialog Box for Importing Error
Submittal Summary Notification File
Figure 5–41, Error Submittal Summary Notification Report Leave the TEF file (TEF.ff)
as well as the sort and
selection files in the Current
folder (C:\DataPrep\Current)
5.4 Deleting Test Files because you will need them
to process your first live
Before you start using DataPrep to process live data, you should Submittal file.
delete from DataPrep’s working folders (C:\DataPrep and its
folders) all the sample files you used and reports you created while And Remember
You may need the sample
testing DataPrep. You can use either Windows Explorer or files for later testing or
DataPrep’s File Backup function (Section 5.2.4) to delete them. To diagnostic purposes, so
delete test files using DataPrep, follow these steps: make sure that you have
copies of them in the
1. From the DataPrep Main Menu, click File Backup. The File Samples folder (C:\Nslds-
v3\Samples). If necessary,
Backup dialog box appears. Its Current Files list shows all the copy sample files back from
files in your Current, Extract, and Loan folders except sort and the working folders to the
selection files. Samples folder before
deleting them from the
working folders.
2. Click New. The New Backup File Folder dialog box appears
with a default New Folder name.
4. Select both the backup folder and all the files listed in the
Current Files list except for the TEF file (TEF.ff). Then click
Move, and DataPrep will move all the files you selected to the
new backup folder.
5. Click List to display the List Backup Files dialog box with a
list of all the files in the backup folder.
6. Highlight all of the files in the Backup Files list, and then click
Delete to delete them from the backup folder.
You are now ready to begin using DataPrep to process your real
data. If you have any problems, remember to call the CSC at 800-
999-8219.
Problems?
If you have any problems with
installation or testing, call the
5.5 Sample Files z/OS LE Version 3.1 CSC at 800-999-8219
between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 8 p.m. Eastern Time,
The JCL for mainframes (IBM or fully compatible CPU) running
Monday through Friday
z/OS LE Version 3.1 or higher performs the Extract Validation excluding Federal holidays.
Process and error file generation. Appendix G contains the JCL for
these functions. It can be referenced from the library created with
JCLLIB as part of the name. The library member name is
PRBB1000.
1. Header Record
2. Detail Records
3. Past Period Change Records
Individual Detail records must reflect the exact contents of your Initial Population
If you are a data provider
database without editing or other changes. submitting data to NSLDS
for the first time, that
Continue extracting and reporting loans to NSLDS until one of the submission is referred to as
following occurs: the Initial Population. During
that submission, you must
report to NSLDS not only all
• The loan is closed and successfully reported to NSLDS with a outstanding (open) loans,
Closed loan status. If you report the loan to NSLDS but the but also any loans that have
loan record is not accepted because of error conditions, you been closed on or after
must continue reporting the loan until it is accepted. Valid October 1, 1989.
closed loan status codes are listed in Table B–2 in Appendix B.
2. Report the activity with a valid closed loan status code (see
Appendix B–2).
You must combine all loan records you report on into a single
Database Extract file, even if you have loan data stored in multiple
databases or are reporting for several campuses or branches in the
same extract.
Multiple Databases
As you create Detail records for your Database Extract file, keep in All data must be combined
mind the following considerations: into a single Database
Extract file, even if you have
loan data stored in multiple
• Once you create your Database Extract file, you must use the databases or are reporting
DataPrep software to validate it for submittal to NSLDS. Use for several campuses or
the Extract Error report generated by DataPrep to correct any branches in the same
errors in your database before the next time you create your extract.
Database Extract file. Do not correct errors by editing or
otherwise altering the Database Extract file or any subsequent
files created by DataPrep.
reconfirm the values of the other identifiers. To this end, you must
supply a complete set of new identifiers.
Note: Only the Type of Loan/Other Aid was changed. All other
values must be resubmitted as before.
1. Is the field you want to update one for which NSLDS keeps
history?
2. If NSLDS keeps history for the field, are you trying to update
the current value of the field or an earlier historical value? (See
Figure 6–7 for the list of fields for which history is kept.)
Depending on how you answer these two questions, you face three
possible scenarios:
1. History Is Not Kept for the Field—In this case, the new data
should be captured by your normal extract process and
included in your regular submission as part of the Detail record
for that loan. You do not have to do anything special to report
the new value to NSLDS. As long as the new value passes all
applicable edits, it will be loaded onto NSLDS.
2. History Is Kept for the Field, and You Are Updating the
Current Value for That Field—In this case, the new data
When NSLDS updates a field for which history is not kept, the
updated value becomes the current value and the old current value
is discarded by the system. When NSLDS updates a field for which
history is kept, the updated value becomes the current value and
the old current value becomes the historical value. As further
updates occur, each current value becomes, in turn, a historical
value, and all the historical values are stored, in order, as history
for that field.
Figure 6–3 and Figure 6–4 will help illustrate how history is
created as part of the update process.
The data provider then sends NSLDS a Submittal file that contains
updates to two of the fields for Loan X. Those updates are denoted
by B2 and D2. The updates pass all the relevant edits and are
loaded onto the database. Because history is kept for field D but is
not kept for field B, the following occurs:
NSL - 1097
D1 - History
NSL - 1098
Events
• Cancellation
• Deferment
Events
• Disbursement Events are made up of keys
• Loan Status and associated values. Keys
• School Servicer and values are treated as if
they were linked because
they give each other
An event is made up of a key, usually a date, and one or more meaning. For example, a
associated values. The key and values are linked together because Date of Loan Status is not
they give each other meaning. For example, a Date of Loan Status meaningful without an
is not meaningful without an accompanying Code for Loan Status. accompanying Code for
Together they constitute a discrete event, Loan Status. Loan Status. Together they
describe a discrete Loan
Status event.
Notice in Figure 6–3 and Figure 6–4 that the event immediately
preceding the event that created the current value in a field for
which history is kept is known as the prior event. It can be
updated either by a PPC record or by a Detail record, but only if
the purpose of the Detail record is to delete the current value for
the field and reinstate the value of the prior event as the current
value.
Case When the Key (Usually Date) When Value(s) NSLDS Does This
1 Stays the same. Changes to new value. Updates the value associated with
the current event.
2 Changes to earlier date not before the date Stays the same. Updates the date associated with
of the prior event. the current event.
3 Changes to a later date. Stays the same. Updates the date associated with
the current event.
4 Changes to a date before the date of the Stays the same. Returns a date sequence error and
prior event. does not update the record.
5 Changes to an earlier date, but one still Changes to new value. Updates the date and value fields
after the date of the prior event. associated with the current event.
6 Changes to the same date as the prior Stays the same. Deletes the current event, and the
event stored on NSLDS. prior event becomes the current
event. Updates with value.
7 Changes to the same date as the prior Changes to a new value. Deletes the current event, and the
event stored on NSLDS. prior event becomes the current
event. Updates with values.
8 Changes date to default value (zeros), Changes to default value (zeros Deletes the current event.
where there is no previous event in history, for numeric field, blanks for
and the field being changed is not part of a character field).
loan.
9 Changes date to default value (zeros), and Changes to default value (zeros Returns a date sequence error and
there is a previous event in history. for numeric field, blanks for does not update the record.
character field).
10 Changes date to default value (zeros), Changes to default value (zeros Returns an error and does not
where there is no previous event in history, for numeric field, blanks for update the record. (Deletion of
and the record being changed is a loan or character field). last loan or student status is not
student status event. allowed.)
Case When the Key (Usually Date) When Value(s) NSLDS Does This
11 Changes to a later date. Changes to new value. Creates a new event on NSLDS,
which becomes the current value.
What had been the current event
now becomes prior event/history.
Figure 6–6 shows what happens when you attempt to update the
various parts of a historical event (keys and values) using a PPC
record.
2. If NSLDS does keep history for the field, are you trying to
update the current value for the field or a historical value?
To answer the first question, check Figure 6–7 or the History Kept
box for the field in the Data Dictionary (Appendix A).
Fields for Which History Is Kept Fields for Which History Is Not Kept
Amount of Cancellation Amount of Loan
Amount of Disbursement
Amount of Outstanding Principal Balance
Code for Current School Data Provider Identifier
Code for Enrollment Status Code for Original School
Code for Loan Status Date Enrollment Period Begins
Code for Servicer Date Enrollment Period Ends
Date Deferment Starts Date Entered Repayment
Date Deferment Stops Date Grant Overpayment Repaid
Date Enrollment Status Effective
Date of Cancellation Date of Student’s Birth
Date of Disbursement Interest Rate
Date of First Disbursement New Code for Original School
Date of Loan Status New Date of First Disbursement
Date of Outstanding Principal Balance
Date of Servicer Responsibility New Date of Student’s Birth
Indicator of Grant Overpayment New Type of Loan/Other Aid
New Student’s Social Security Number Student’s Academic Level
New Student’s First Name Student’s Last Name
Student’s First Name Student’s Middle Initial
Student’s Social Security Number Type of Loan/Other Aid
Student’s Social Security Number Indicator
Type of Cancellation
Type of Deferment
If history is not kept for the field you want to update, the update
should be caught by your normal extract process and submitted to
NSLDS on a Detail record without any special effort on your part.
As long as the update passes all edits, it will be loaded onto
NSLDS.
If, on the other hand, history is kept for the field you want to
update, you must know whether you are updating a current value
or a historical value.
2. When you check your Load Process Error report, you discover
that the change you submitted was valid, but that it conflicted
with some other value stored in history on NSLDS.
Depending on the nature of the change you want to make, you may
need to know more about the historical values already on NSLDS.
Figure 6–8 lists the events you can update using PPC records.
• Any new values with which you want to update the event
Only report the loan identifiers, the key, and any new values for
the event that you want to change. Use default values for fields that
you are not changing. There is no need to fill all the Old/New
fields as you would for changes to loan identifiers.
Old and New
For PPC record layouts and detailed instructions explaining how to When a PPC field name
apply specific updates to each PPC event, see Appendix C. starts with the word Old (for
example, Old Date of Loan
Status) you must report the
exact value already
Changing Event Dates contained in the field you are
changing. When the PPC
Except for the School Servicer event, all the PPC events you can field name says New (for
update have a date as their key. So updating an event key normally example, New Date of Loan
involves updating a date. Status), you report the new
value you want that data
element to contain.
There are two important things to remember when making date
changes with a PPC:
2. You may not change the date of an event so that it equals the
date of a pre-existing event. For example, if there is a loan
status effective date of 3/1/98, you cannot correct another loan
status effective date to 3/1/98.
Example
Old Date of Loan New Date of Loan New Code for Loan
Loan Identifiers Status Status Status
Loan XYZ 19940401 19950301 BLANKS
Example
In this example, the Code for Loan Status associated with the April
1, 1994, Loan Status is changed to RP, so the New Code for Loan
Status will replace the former value for the event. Since the date of
the event is not changing, it is not necessary to provide a New Date
of Loan Status.
Old Date of Loan New Date of Loan New Code for Loan
Loan Identifiers Status Status Status
Loan XYZ 19940401 ZEROS RP
To change both the key date of the event and the associated data,
send a PPC record containing the loan identifiers, the event key
(date) stored in NSLDS, the new key (date), and the new value.
Example 1
The New Deferment End Date contains the default value 00000000
because the value is not being changed.
Example 2
If you want to change the date of a Loan Status event from April 1,
1994, to March 1, 1995, and the Code for Loan Status to RP, use
the following PPC:
Old Date of Loan New Date of Loan New Code for Loan
Loan Identifiers Status Status Status
Loan XYZ 19940401 19950301 RP
Example
To delete a Loan Status event from history, use the following PPC
record:
Old Date of Loan New Date of Loan New Code for Loan
Loan Identifiers Status Status Status
Loan XYZ 19940401 ZEROS BLANKS
The Extract Validation process will also abort if any Detail or PPC
record has a school code that does not match the school code on its
Domain-Level Errors
Header record. There are four kinds of
domain-level errors:
If your Database Extract file passes the file-level edits, DataPrep
performs domain-level edits by examining all Detail and PPC 1. Numeric Field Errors—
records in the file to ensure that each data element meets domain A character other than a
number is in a field
requirements. If the percentage of domain errors exceeds the requiring all numbers
threshold levels set by ED (see box), DataPrep will issue an error 2. Invalid Date Errors—
message informing you that you have exceeded the threshold and Date specified does not
that no Submittal file was created. All errors are noted in an exist on a calendar or is
Extract Error file from which you can generate an Extract Error not zeros
3. Missing Identifiers in
report. Use this report to correct your database or extract program. one or more loan
Then create a new Database Extract file and rerun Extract identifier fields
Validation. 4. Missing New Identifiers
on records with identifier
If your Database Extract file passes the file-level edits and the changes
percentage of domain errors is below the maximum threshold
levels established by NSLDS, DataPrep creates a Submittal file
that you then send to NSLDS.
D a ta b a s e E x tra c t F ile
(C o n ta in s H e a d e r, D e ta il, P a s t
P e rio d C h a n g e (P P C ) R e c o rd s )
U p d a te d a ta b a s e (s ).
R e ru n c yc le a s
n e e d e d to c o rre c t
file -le v e l e rro rs a n d
d o m a in -le v e l e rro rs
(if a b o v e th re s h h o ld )
E x tra c t V a lid a tio n P ro c e s s b e fo re c re a tin g a
n e w e xtra c t file .
E x tra c t E rro r
R e p o rt
Send
S u b m itta l F ile
to N S L D S
NSLDS
1. File-level edits
2. Domain-level edits
File-Level Edits
Threshold Failure
1. Numeric Field Error Correct database
2. Invalid Date and/or extract process
3. Missing Identifier and rerun Extract
4. Missing New Identifier Validation
NSL-1111
• Install DataPrep and define the directory paths for DataPrep’s Naming the Extract File
data files (Section 5.1.1) Remember that your
Database Extract file must
• Create a Database Extract file named extract.ff and copy it to be named extract.ff in order
for DataPrep to locate and
the Extract folder (Chapter 5) process it.
Once you have performed these tasks, you are ready to run Extract
Validation.
File Date
Note that the date a file was
last modified or created
appears on the right side of
the Extract Validation dialog
box. This is to help you
make sure you are using the
right Database Extract file.
Once you are satisfied that Extract Validation has run successfully,
click Close to return to the Extract Validation dialog box. Then
click Exit to return to the DataPrep Main Menu. From there you
have several options, including generating reports.
7.3.1 Output
The successful Extract Validation process produces three files:
file created by Extract Validation contains valid data that will load
onto the NSLDS database.
The record counts for the Database Extract file are useful when
you do reasonability checks. Look, in particular, for unusually
large changes in the number of Detail records from one submittal
to the next. Error Numbers
Remember that DataPrep
DataPrep totals the number of records that contain domain-level calculates the number of
errors and the percentage they represent of the records in the records containing errors if
there are multiple errors in a
Database Extract file. If you have exceeded the error threshold single record, not the total
levels defined by ED, DataPrep does not create a Submittal file. In number of errors (which
this case, you must correct your database and/or extract process, could be considerably
create a new Database Extract file, re-start the extract process, and higher).
re-validate until your error rate is below the threshold levels.
Among the possible causes for a failed Extract Validation are the
following:
What to Do When Extract
• No Header record Validation Is Halted
• An incorrect format If Extract Validation failed
because a file-level error
• Data that shifted because you inserted a space or a character
caused the process to abort,
• Records were not the required 300-byte length verify that you have used the
• Mismatch between the Code for Original School in a Detail correct Database Extract file,
record and the school code in the Header record that it has a Header record,
is in the proper format, and
that the records are all 300
bytes in length.
If your TEF file is more than 90 days old, DataPrep will display a
message warning that the threshold error values it contains may be
out of date. However, DataPrep will perform Extract Validation
and create a Submittal file, assuming that your Database Extract
file meets the standards described in this manual.
• Header Record
• Detail Records
• PPC Records (optional)
• Trailer Record
Note: The Thresholds, Error Codes and Field Codes File (TEF) can
be downloaded into DataPrep from the FSA Web site located at
www.fsadownload.ed.gov. The file should be saved into the
DataPrep/Current directory with the file name TEF.ff. This file is
edited any time NSLDS includes or removes a new error code.
Process Error file but does not perform any further processing on
the record.
For more information about edits, see the Federal Perkins Data
Dictionary (Appendix A), which describes all the edits applied to
each field in a Perkins record, and Appendix B, which lists all the
error messages generated by DataPrep and the Load process.
File-Level Edits
Threshold Failure
1. Numeric Field Error Check extract process
2. Invalid Date and rerun Extract
3. Missing Identifier Validation
4. Missing New Identifier
Domain and
Record-Level Edits
Record Rejected
NSLDS
1. Numeric Field Error Correct database and/or
Load 2. Invalid Date extract process for next
Process 3. Missing Identifier submittal
Load-Level Edits 4. Missing New Identifier
5. Reasonability Error
6. Duplicate Record
Record Not
Loaded/Updated
1. Date Sequence Error 1. PPC
2. Identifier Conflict 2. Resolve with other
data provider
3. Invalid Codes 3. Correct database/
NSLDS Updated extract process
NSL-1063
Records that pass domain- and record-level edits are then edited
for load-level errors before being loaded onto the database.
Records that pass domain- and record-level edits are then edited
for load-level errors before being loaded onto the database.
9.3.1 Duplicates
NSLDS sorts the records in the Submittal file and compares
sequential rows to determine if the first 47 bytes of the record—the Duplicate Records
If two Detail records have
loan identifiers—match. If any two Detail records have the same the same loan identifiers,
loan identifiers, it rejects both records as duplicate records. If you both records will be rejected
have populated the Data Provider Loan ID field for each record, since NSLDS has no way of
you will be able to determine which record should be reported determining which record is
under those identifiers for the next submission. No record will pass correct. You will have to
resubmit the record in a later
this duplicate edit process if another record on the same submission. Duplicate loan
submission has the same loan identifiers. Neither duplicate record records will have an Error
will update the database since NSLDS has no way of knowing Code of 1423 (Identifiers
which loan record is correct. must be unique on each
detail record) on Field Code
225 (Date of First
Disbursement).
9.3.2 Reasonability Edits
Reasonability edits check that data are contained in proper fields
according to specific edit criteria. Such edits include checking that
required fields have been filled, such as the Date Entered
Repayment field or a Cancellation Amount on a loan that has a
Cancellation type.
Reasonability edits also check all date and amount fields on each
record to ensure that the data they contain are both reasonable and
in compliance with Perkins program regulations. For example, if a
loan is reported as a PU loan (Perkins Loan) with a Date of First
Disbursement of 19820115 (January 15, 1982), it will be rejected
since Perkins loans did not exist in 1982. Reasonability edits
ensure data integrity within individual records.
Records that pass both domain- and record-level edits, but fail
load-level edits, are written to the Load Process Error file.
Records that pass domain-, record-, and load-level edits are loaded
onto NSLDS and update the database.
• Error Code
• Data Provider Code
• Data Provider Name
• Existing Student’s SSN
• Existing Date of Student’s Birth
• Existing Student’s First Name
• Existing Student’s Last Name
• Data Provider City
• Data Provider State
This information will help you resolve the conflict with the data
provider for the record already on NSLDS.
If you want to print the report, you can do so directly from the
viewer, or you can return to the Log Report dialog box and click
Print.
NSLDS will send you the Load Process Error file within 48 hours
after your Submittal file is processed. The file will be sent via
SAIG. The format of this file has not changed from DataPrep,
Version 1, except to add your unique Data Provider Loan ID to the
record. The SAIG message class for the Load Process Error file is
SLDERROP.
Once these files are in your Current directory, follow these steps to
generate a summary error report:
If you do, click Exit to return to the Error Report dialog box.
7. When you are satisfied with the options you have selected on
the Error Report dialog box, click Generate. A status message
appears informing you the report has been generated.
Viewers
Remember that DataPrep’s
built-in viewer (ut0a.exe)
produces a correctly
formatted report, while the
other viewers may not. If you
use one of the other viewers
Figure 10–6, Generate Summary Error Rpt Dialog Box to view or print a report, you
may have to adjust the font
8. Click View. If you chose the options depicted in Figure 10–5, and size to fit on a page or
you should see a report that looks something like this when print your report using
viewed in DataPrep’s built-in viewer: landscape rather than
portrait format.
Once these files are in your Current directory, follow these steps to
generate a detail error report:
8. When you are satisfied with the options you have selected on
the Error Report dialog box, click Generate. A status message
appears informing you the report has been generated.
Viewers
Remember that DataPrep’s
built-in viewer (NSLDS-
V3/ut0a.exe) produces a
Figure 10–10, Generate Summary Error Rpt Dialog Box correctly formatted report,
while the other viewers may
not. If you use one of the
9. Click View. If you chose the options depicted in Figure 10–5, other viewers to view or print
you should see a report that looks something like this when a report, you may have to
viewed in DataPrep’s built-in viewer: adjust the font and size to fit
on a page or print your
report using landscape
rather than portrait format.
• Extract
• Backup Loan (or Current)
If you selected the default
DataPrep looks for NSLDS Loan Detail files in these folders: directory paths when you
installed DataPrep,
DataPrep looks for NSLDS
• Loan (or Current) Loan Detail files in the Loan
• Backup and Backup folders. If you
did not specify a directory
Unless you have transferred your Database Extract file out of your path for Loan Detail files,
DataPrep looks for them in
Extract folder, you will not have to transfer any files before the Current folder
creating the Extract Loan Detail file. (C:\DataPrep\Current). For
information about changing
However, when you receive the NSLDS Loan Detail file, you must default directories, see
load the file onto your computer or network and then use Section 5.2.1.
DataPrep’s File Transfer utility (Section 5.2.3) to move or copy the
file to your Loan (or Current) folder.
The File Transfer dialog box allows you to give version names to
NSLDS Loan Detail files. This is useful if you receive more than
one Loan Detail file in a single month. If you give a version name
to an NSLDS Loan Detail file, DataPrep will assign the file a name
of the form loandtlVersionname.ff, where:
There are several ways to see the date and time a file in the
Detail Files list was last modified and the number of bytes in
the file. This can be useful if you have several Database Extract
or NSLDS Loan Detail files and are not sure which one you
want to view or print.
From the viewer, you can view or print the report as you please. To
change viewers for a specific report or to change your default
viewer, see the instructions in Section 5.2.2.
• You sent some file other than a validated Submittal file, such
as your Database Extract file. (The Submittal file will be
labeled submit.ff, while the Database Extract file will be called
extract.ff.)
• You sent a file in an invalid format. For example, the file you
sent has no valid header, no 300-byte records, or no trailer
record.
• NSLDS did not receive your Submittal file during the time
frame in which NSLDS can load your data.
The Detail record(s) will indicate why the Submittal file was
rejected and will give you a brief description of the problem
through a message code that can be found in Appendix F.
Appendix F also lists the actions you must take to correct the
error(s).
From this dialog box you can Add, Edit, or Delete any selection
criterion for the following detail reports:
5. Click OK.
One Criterion
Two Criteria
To add selection criteria for all loans with loan status in repayment
and a date of first disbursement after January 1, 1998, enter these
values:
Name LoanStat
Length 2
Description Loan Status Code
Value ‘RP’
For more information about adding, editing, and creating your own
selection criteria, refer to the Help for the Selection Criteria and
Selection Criteria Edit dialog boxes and to the discussion of
Comparison Syntax that follows.
Comparisons are made up of one or more comparison parameters linked using the AND
connector within commas (,&,) or the OR connector within commas (,|,), and grouped using
parentheses ().
[(]comparison1[)][[,connector2,[(]comparison2[)]]…[,connectorN,[(]comparisonN[)]]][)]
[comments]
Use ampersand (&) for the AND connector, and use bar (|) for the OR
connector.
Use ampersand (&) for the AND connector, and use bar (|) for the OR
connector.
Comparison Parameters
A comparison parameter is made up of one or more compare parameters linked using the AND
connector within commas (,&,) or the OR connector within commas (,|,).
compare1[[,connector2,compare2]…[,connectorN,compareN]]
Use ampersand (&) for the AND condition, and use bar (|) for the OR
condition.
Use ampersand (&) for the AND connector, and use bar (|) for the OR
connector.
Compare Parameters
EQ = Equal to
NE = Not Equal to
GT = Greater than
GE = Greater than or Equal to
LT = Less than
LE = Less than or Equal to
string The character string that is to be compared with the Data Element.
When a quoted string is less than the length of the Data Element, the string
is padded out to the correct length using the last character in the string.
{You can use ‘ ’ to check for spaces and ‘0’ to check for zeros.}
When a pound sign (#) prefixes a quoted string that is less than the length
of the data element, the string is shifted to the right and padded with
zeroes. {You could use #’500’ to check for the number 000500 in a 6-
character field or for the number 00000500 in an 8-character field.}
If you want to include a single quote (‘) in the comparison string, then you
will need to enter two single quotes (“).
position The starting position of a second Data Element within the record that is to be
compared with the first Data Element.
variable The variable name that is replaced with a value at report generation time.
The variable name must be prefixed with an asterisk (*) and defined in the
Variable Name list.
Examples
(58-66,NE,‘ ’,&,58-66,NE,4) New SSN is not spaces, and it is not equal to current SSN.
From this dialog box you can add, edit, or delete any sort option
for the following reports:
5. Click OK.
For example, if you want a report that sorts by Loan Type and
Social Security number, follow these steps:
1. Enter Type-SSN in the Sort Key box of the Sort Parameter Edit Available for Selection
dialog box. Option
Check the Available for
Selection box if you want the
2. Enter Loan Type & SSN in the Description box. new Sort Parameter to be
listed in the Sort Sequence
3. Enter 38–39,9–17 in the Positions box. drop-down list on the Error
Report dialog box.
4. Click OK. The Sort Parameters Dialog Box displays with the
new sort parameter that you have just created.
1. From the Sort Parameters dialog box (Figure 10–28), select the
sort option you want to edit and click Edit. The Sort Parameter
Edit dialog box appears populated by the sort option you
selected (in this case, the Type-SSN sort created in Section
10.6.1).
You have the following options for generating the Extract Error
report:
• To generate the detail report, remove the asterisk (*) from the
line immediately before this line in the JCL shown on page
G–13.
Error count is the default, which is why the other two options are
commented out by the addition of an asterisk (*) after the two
slashes at the beginning of the lines on which they appear.
//*
//* ERROR COUNT ORDER
// SET SORTPARM=PUTB4001
//*
//* FIELD CODE ORDER
//* SET SORTPARM=PUTB4002
//*
//* ERROR CODE ORDER
//* SET SORTPARM=PUTB4003
//*
If you want to change this default, you must add an asterisk (*)
after the two slashes in the JCL line for the error count option
// SET SORTPARM=PUTB4001
and delete the asterisk in the JCL line for the sort option you want
to use.
For field code order, remove the asterisk from this line:
For error code order, remove the asterisk from this line:
• By Error Count
• By Error Code Sorting the Summary Error
Report
• By Field Code You can sort the Summary
Error report in any of three
See the in-stream documentation in Appendix G. Note that the ways: error count, error
Detail Load Process Error report can be sorted only by SSN. code, or field code. To select
a sort option, use the SET
statement.
Use the summary error reports to help you quickly spot problem
areas in your Database Extract file. Then use detail error reports to
research how those problems affect individual loan records. Once
you have diagnosed problems in this fashion, you should be able to
attack them at the source by updating your database or extract
procedures.
the records are those contained in your own database. In the case
of the NSLDS Loan Detail report, the records are contained in the
NSLDS database. Together, the two reports are useful for
researching discrepancies between the data on your database and
the data on the NSLDS database.
While error reports are useful for identifying types of errors and
specific records with errors in your database, loan detail reports are
useful for establishing the full contents of those records that
contain errors. DataPrep’s select and sort options will help you
identify and categorize the records that appear in loan detail
reports.
An invalid date error will not occur if the date is valid, regardless
of whether or not it is reasonable. For example, a student date of
birth of 19980228 will pass this domain-level edit, although clearly
1998 is not a reasonable birth date for a current student. That
record-level error will be picked up later when NSLDS processes
your Submittal file.
You should note that a date field with all zeros will pass the
domain edit, but it may err in the load process if a date is required.
Missing Identifiers
Reasonability Errors
1. Identifier Conflicts
2. OPEID Code Errors
3. Invalid Code Errors
4. Date Sequence Errors
Identifier Conflicts
If it appears your data are accurate but they conflict with data from
another data provider anyway, you must resolve the conflict before
NSLDS can be updated. Call the NSLDS Customer Care Center at
800-999-8219 to negotiate identifier conflicts with other data
providers.
OPEID Errors
Invalid Codes
NSLDS reviews all code fields to ensure that the codes they
contain are acceptable to NSLDS. See Appendix B for complete
lists of the following codes:
Correcting Invalid Codes
• Loan Type NSLDS rejects records
• Loan Status submitted with invalid
• Enrollment Status OPEID codes. To correct
• Deferment Type code errors, you must
correct either your database
• Deferment Type Usage or your extract process.
• Cancellation Type Correct OPEID codes
• Perkins Commercial Servicer can be found at
www.nsldsfap.ed.gov under
the ORG tab by searching
on the school name.
Date Sequence Edits
If you have any questions, use the full-featured Help system. The
Help system documents all DataPrep’s functions and includes
material not contained in this manual. It is your best source for
detailed information about specific DataPrep functions.
In addition, if you have any suggestions about how this manual can
be improved, please call the CSC and let it know.